Clophill Lakes

The Greensand Trust is delighted to offer a new Nature Reserve at Clophill Lakes featuring otters, sand martins and colourful dragonflies in the wetlands, and skylarks and wildflowers in the grassland areas. We are now open daily (9am to 6pm) providing public access in a sensitive and sustainable manner which conserves and enhances these emerging habitats, whilst enabling visitors to share in the benefits this very special environment provides.

Please note: dogs on lead and cashless payment only. No cycling or fishing.

Find us at Shefford Road, Beadlow, Beds SG17 5TR

Many sat nav systems are taking visitors to Webber Close in Shefford which has a similar postcode SG17 5TA - please search using our name or use the What3words app 'twice/half/protrude'. For more information on how to find us visit here.

Your ongoing support of our fundraising for the site is very much appreciated - please visit our Clophill Lakes Appeal

Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve marks its first year open to the public!

The Greensand Trust invites everyone to visit Clophill Lakes this April as it celebrates its first year as an accessible Nature Reserve

The Trust wishes to express its sincere thanks to local people for the support, care and consideration shown by visitors to the site over the past year, since it opened on 5^th April 2025. Their respect for the site has helped wildlife continue to flourish within the reserve, while enabling visitors to access and enjoy this beautiful location.

The reserve’s first year was not without its challenges as, just six months after opening in August, an arson attack destroyed a 70m boardwalk and damaged the surrounding habitat. The impact on the Trust’s staff, volunteers and visitors was profound and the loss of the boardwalk reduced accessibility and affected the long‑term sustainability of the site.

However, the response from the local community has been extraordinary. Chief Executive Gill Welham commented:

Thanks to the generosity and encouragement of so many, we’re pleased to announce that a new boardwalk is now under construction and will once again be accessible from April. In addition, contributions from our supporters have enabled us not only to rebuild the boardwalk, but also to create a fully surfaced path linking to it, completing an accessible circular route around Castle Lake. The newly laid path needs time to settle, so while most sections will open in April, a 175‑metre grass path around Castle Meadow will remain in place temporarily to allow the final section to firm up. The rest of the route—including the boardwalk—will be open from April.

Summer Opening times commence from the end of March with the arrival of British Summer Time on Saturday 28 March meaning the reserve will be open 9am – 6pm with the Riverside Café operating from 9.30am to 4pm, enabling visitors to enjoy the reserve for longer.

The Greensand Trust would like to thank everyone for helping us conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and heritage of Clophill Lakes through sensitive, sustainable access. Your continued support is essential: all funds raised through parking, catering and donations go directly toward maintaining the reserve and ensuring its long‑term sustainability.